Lake Life

Winterize Your Boat Dock in 5 Easy Steps

20 September 2021
Tommy Lindquist
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property, Minnesota Cabin Real Estate, Minnesota Real Estate, Northern Minnesota Real Estate, Vacation Property

Summer is drawing to a close, which means it’s time to prepare for the cold weather and snow. Winterizing your boat dock is an important task for this time of year, and doing it properly will help everything stay in top shape. If you’re not sure where to start, here are 5 easy steps to winterizing your dock: 

1. First, remove all accessories you have attached to your dock. This includes things like kayaks and paddleboards that you may have tethered as well as anything else that may be attached.

2. Next, check and tighten all bolts and screws. Some of these may have come loose from wear over the summer, so it’s a good idea to make sure everything is secure before you use your dock again in the spring. 

3. It’s always a good idea to clean and seal the decking portion of your dock before the season is over. This way, it can avoid damage that might be caused by algae or other bacteria. 

4. If you have a fixed dock, you may want to use a bubbler or de-icer to reduce the amount of ice that is formed around your dock in the winter. 

5. Depending on what kind of dock you have, the last step is to either remove it from the water or attach a safety line to it and secure it on a fixed structure on shore, such as a tree. You will also want to detach it from shore the best you can by removing any ramps or steps. This can help avoid shoreline erosion. 

Are you ready to find the Up North lake home you’ve always wanted? Contact us today so that we can help you with your search! 

5 Best Tips for Financing Your Cabin

11 August 2021
Tommy Lindquist
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property, Minnesota Cabin Real Estate

If you’ve recently decided that you’re going to finance your cabin, there are several things to keep in mind. Here are 5 tips that will hopefully help you out in the long run no matter how you’re going about financing your cabin.

1. Check your credit score early on. Your credit score will determine how high of an interest rate you may get charged from a mortgage lender, so check this early on to get an idea of how much you can expect to pay.

2. Do your research on loans. There are many options available. It may take a bit of time and research to find what will work best for you. Don’t be afraid to go slow and ask questions!

3. Don’t put too little money down. Do a little math and figure out how much money you can realistically put down up front. While you may feel a little hesitant to put too large of a chunk down, keep in mind that it will end up saving you money in the long run. 

4. Consider renting out your cabin. This can be a great way to earn a bit of extra cash which can help you out with your financing. 

5. Keep insurance in mind. You don’t want to be caught off guard by any expenses, especially insurance. This is another thing you’ll want to research as you’re going through the financing process.

Are you ready to find your Northern Minnesota getaway? Contact us today and let us help you out with your search!

6 Top Priorities for Remodeling Your Cabin

22 July 2021
Tommy Lindquist
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property

Are you thinking about remodeling your cabin? If this is something you’ve put thought into but are stuck on where to start, consider making some of these your top priorities as you begin your project.

1. Assess your current conditions.
Start by taking a critical look around your cabin and figure out which space is in most need of a little extra care and tackle that first.

2. Get specific.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew! Once you figure out which space in your cabin needs an update, start to narrow down exactly what needs to be fixed, upgraded, and what you want to change.

3. Find some inspiration.
Maybe you know you want to change something, but you’re unsure what you want the end result to be. Browse online and see how other people have remodeled their cabins to get some ideas.

4. Make a list of what you need.
Once you know what exactly needs to be fixed and remodeled, start making a list of the specific tools and items that you’ll be needing.

5. Settle on a budget.
This is an important one! Having a budget put in place before you start a project is important so that you know what you’re getting yourself into.

6. Find some help.
Don’t try to do this all by yourself! Whether you’re hiring professionals or having friends or family members help, it’s a good idea to work together with someone rather than do it alone. This will save you a lot of time and trouble.

Are you looking for a vacation property in beautiful northern Minnesota? View our latest listings here!

4 Local Minnesota Lakes with the Best Fishing

15 July 2021
Tommy Lindquist
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property

Minnesota is home to an abundance of lakes, making it one of the best states for freshwater fishing! If you’re searching for some spots to catch some walleye up north this summer, check out our list of the top 4 lakes in the area: 

Leech Lake is the third largest lake that lies entirely within Minnesota’s borders. It has a number of different bays to explore and is a great lake for boating. You can expect to find plenty of species of fish here! 

Lake Winnibigoshish is connected to the Mississippi River along with two smaller lakes, Sugar Lake and Cut Foot Souix Lake. Surrounded by resorts and campgrounds, it is a prime place to catch fish. The largest muskie caught in Minnesota was from this very lake!

Cass Lake is another lake that is connected to the Mississippi River. Although it’s one of the smaller lakes on our list, some claim that it’s one of the best lakes for catching walleye in the state! 

Ten Mile Lake may be another small lake on our list, but it’s worth paying a visit to! It’s 208 feet at its deepest and features a large variety of fish, from black bullhead catfish to rainbow trout! 

Enjoy exploring these lakes this summer! If you’re looking for the perfect property up north, click here to view our latest listings.

Three Amazing Paddling Opportunities in Up North in Minnesota

28 June 2021
Tommy Lindquist
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property

Canoeing is a peaceful way to enjoy the beauty of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, and we are fortunate to have many fantastic paddling spots around the Walker area. Here are three locations to check out if you’re looking for a great place to canoe or kayak.

Sucker Bay on Leech Lake is a nice, protected bay to paddle in, and if you’re a fisherman, it’s an excellent crappie location, especially in the late spring and early summer months. Two particular areas to check out around Sucker Bay are Sugar Point and the eastern edge of Battle Point.

The Pike Bay Connection Loop has the look and feel of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness but is in Chippewa National Forest. This loop features eight gorgeous lakes and an opportunity to see wildlife like bald eagles, moose, and deer.

Cut Foot Sioux Lake is a 2,800-acre lake located in northern Minnesota’s Itasca County. The shores of the lake are heavily forested and beautiful. Paddling here offers peaceful seclusion, breathtaking beauty, and fishing.

Bill Hansen Realty is the market leader in Northern Minnesota. We sell and market lake homes, lake cabins, lake lots, hunting land, and other recreational properties. With offices in Longville, Hackensack, and Walker, we can assist you in finding the best properties in the state. Check out the latest listings on our website!

Enjoy Loon Watching – A Favorite Up North Minnesota Pastime

18 June 2021
Tommy Lindquist
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life

June is a great time to watch for baby loons on the lake, and it’s a real treat to see a chick riding on a parent’s back! Loon chicks spend the first several days under the wing or on a parent’s back to retain body heat. After that, the chicks are totally dependent on their parents for food initially but start diving for longer and longer periods as they grow and provide about half of their own food by five weeks. They can’t fly, though, until about nine weeks.

Did you know that when the young loons fly south in October or November, they won’t be back up this way again for probably three years! While they’re gone, they usually stay on the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic until they once again return to Minnesota. 

What’s really cool is that when they return to Minnesota, they will supposedly return to the SAME LAKE that they were born on. If you’d like to learn more about loons, check out the National Loon Center website. Enjoy loon watching this summer!

Bill Hansen Realty is the Northern Minnesota lakeshore real estate leader. Click here to find your Up North property today!

Your Memorial Day Barbecue Must-Haves

25 May 2021
Tommy Lindquist
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Northern Minnesota Things to Do, Vacation Property

It’s almost Memorial Day weekend, the official start of summer in Minnesota! We’ve got you covered with all the last-minute must-haves for your BBQs at the cabin this weekend.

Check out this list:

Grilling Tool Set

Over 2,200 people give this Cuisinart set a 5-star rating.

Patriotic Banners

Red and blue patriotic banners that you can re-use for the 4th of July as well.

Star-topped Straws

Sip in style with the festive straws that add a bit of fun to your drinks.

Inflatable Projector Screen

Enjoy your favorite films on the big screen anytime with your family and friends while grilling out. If you hurry, you grab this one for only around $118 while it’s on sale!

48 FT Outdoor String Lights 

Commercial Grade and weatherproof string lights to light up your BBQ into the wee hours of the night.

FREEZE™ Cooling Cups by HOST®

Choose from wine, beer, tumblers, or many other styles of glasses that keep your drinks cooler, longer.

Need some grilling ideas? Check out this list. 

Have a great, safe Memorial Day weekend from all of us at Bill Hansen Realty! Click here to see our latest listings.

Spring Fishing Up North in Minnesota

24 May 2021
Tommy Lindquist
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Categories: Blog, Lake Life

Minnesota is one of America’s premier walleye fishing destinations! It also happens to be our state fish. They’re as fun to fish for as they are good fighters. They taste excellent and are common throughout most of Minnesota.

Here are three handy tips for fishing for walleye this spring:

Think Shallow

Fish will be shallow in the spring; think no more than 12-13 feet deep

Switch Up Your Bait

Try jigs and minnows in the morning and slip bobber and a minnow in the evening. 

Slow is Key

Remember it’s spring and the water is still cold. Fish have just finished spawning and aren’t moving very fast yet, so neither should your bait.

Check out the Minnesota DNR website for more walleye fishing tips.

Have fun and I hope you have a great fishing season!

4 Tips for Getting Your Boat Ready for Summer Fun

26 April 2021
Tommy Lindquist
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

Spring is here, and now is a great time to prepare your boat for the upcoming summer fun! There are many different types and sizes of boats, so you will need to create your own spring de-winterizing checklist based on what you have.

But here are a few general tips to remember:

Double-check the drain plug

It’s such a simple thing that has caused many people a lot of angst. Don’t assume it’s there; double-check! 

Verify Registration and Permits

Ensure all your watercraft registrations, permits, and any necessary stickers are up to date before you launch in the water.

Inspect Safety  Equipment

Make sure lifejackets are in good condition, and you have the correct number of them on your boat. And, if you have kids, make sure they still fit and are the correct size. Check your fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and fresh batteries for any sound signaling devices or handheld radios.

Don’t forget the trailer

If you need to trailer your boat to launch, don’t forget to inspect the trailer first since lots can happen over the winter! Check the tire pressure, brake fluid level, tongue lock, and safety chains, and test the lights and electrical connections. 

If you’re not familiar with or need a refresh on Minnesota’s boating and water regulations, please click here for lots of great info.

Find your Up North property with Bill Hansen Realty, the market leader in Northern Minnesota!
Click here to contact us and get started today.

Foraging Season in Minnesota!

20 April 2021
Tommy Lindquist
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

Enjoy the Outdoors and Have Fun Foraging Up North in Minnesota

Spring is the start of foraging season Up North in Minnesota. Many people love foraging because it’s adventurous and gives them a chance to get out, hike around, and pick delicious, local, wild food. 

If there’s one critical thing to know when foraging, it’s to be 100% positive you know exactly what you’re harvesting! A misidentified food can make you sick or worse. The second important thing to keep in mind when foraging is to know the land you are harvesting from. Don’t trespass on private property! Rules are different for city and state parks, National Forest land, and BLM land, so do some research ahead of time to figure out where foraging is allowed.

The early foraging season in Minnesota is all about the greens and early mushrooms. Here are three early-season foods that foragers look for during the spring:

Ramps

Otherwise known as wild leeks, ramps are among the first plants to emerge from the ground in spring. Many people don’t know that Minnesota ramp flushes are dwindling due to the uptick in foraging, so please gather these sustainably!

Fiddlehead ferns

Look for fiddlehead ferns in low areas on the edges of marshes and other waterways. Cut the heads before they unfurl; the closer they are to the ground, the better. 

Mushrooms

Up North in Minnesota, morels can appear as late as mid-May when the ground temperature reaches at least 50 degrees. You will want to start foraging them when the air temperature gets to around 65-70, and there have been a few to several days of rain.

For more information on foraging in Minnesota, click here. Have fun and be safe!